At the Table

a liturgy for meals with students

You ate often with Your student,
years and years ago
as You journeyed in this foreign place
that You designed
from before the beginning.
You chose those ordinary moments
to convey Your abiding truths:
“I alone will provide what you need.”
“I alone will satisfy
your soul’s deep hunger.”
“I alone will quench your soul’s deep thirst.”
“I am here daily with you.
Talk to me. Listen to me.”
“I delight in inviting you to the table.
You are welcomed.”
“You have a place here with me.
Sit and rest for a while.”

You came as the Bread of Life
to feed hungry souls,
yet You were willing to be broken
like bread for them.

You came as the Living Water
to quench their thirst,
yet You were willing to be poured out
as an offering on their behalf.

You were the Creator of the very trees
that formed their common table,
yet You were willing to rise
from that common table
and wash their dusty feet.

Always,
always,

Your heart’s posture was that of welcome
and provision.
As I prepare for meals
with my students this month,
remind me:

• that setting a table with welcome can soften a heart;
• that at Your table nothing is ever wasted;
• that simplicity of setting and circumstance matter not, for You are the supply;
• that as You gather with us, unseen but ever present, we have more than enough.

Guide my mind, that I may be present with my students as we gather at the table.
Unhurried. Lingering. Smiling. Laughing. Satisfied.

Guide my eyes to see beyond the faces around me to the needs before me.
The need to be heard. The need to be seen. The need to be welcomed in.

Guide my speech to be always with grace, seasoned with salt. May Your truth be on my
lips. Words of encouragement. Words of hope. Words of comfort.

Guide my heart to wash their feet.
Listening intently. Asking questions. Seeking common ground.

Thank you, Father, for spreading a feast before me daily.
You are my portion.
You are more than enough.

Amen

Further exploration

You can find a printable version of this liturgy here: At the Table.

Post Author

Mechelle has lived and worked in Asia for 20 years.

Series Editor

Erika McIntyre

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Image designed by Elaine Liu.